By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on Zambians to look beyond cheap political rhetoric and embrace the change that he intends to bring for the benefit of all citizens.

• (From Left to right), First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda, President Edgar Lungu, Vice-president Inonge Wina, Tanzanian First Lady Salma, President Jakaya Kitwete and First Lady Esther take to the dance floor during a State Banquet at Pamodzi Hotel on Wednesday night. Picture By Eddie Mwanaleza.

Mr Lungu said as much as a leader needed to be a good listener, a good listener was at times called to make tough decisions that were sometimes seen to be driven by personal agendas.
“I have assembled a team of very capable people to bring my vision for Zambia to life. We have a largely youthful Cabinet and have some very experienced leaders to bring the balance required for optimal performance,” he said.
The President said this in a post updated on his Facebook page titled ‘Reflections on the first month of my presidency’.
He pledged that his Government would complete the infrastructure development plans and bring new roads, hospitals and schools countrywide to benefit all Zambians.
He said he would endeavour to make his Presidency one that was consistently focused on progress and unity.
He said he had looked beyond gender and made his appointments on merit, saying that he expected hard work from his team.
Mr Lungu said one of his achievements so far was to break the gender barrier and appoint Zambia’s first female Vice- President, Inonge Wina and a female Chief Justice, Irene Mambilima.
Mr Lungu has also called for unity among all Zambians in order for the country to overcome its challenges.
Mr Lungu said Zambians could achieve their desires and rise above all challenges if people united in common goals.
“I firmly believe we can achieve all that we desire if we are united in common goals that embrace all our challenges as a nation. I listened to you before you elected me to be your President. As your President, I want to reaffirm my position on listening to and acting decisively on what the nation needs,” he said.
President Lungu urged Zambians to reject tribalism and rekindle the ‘One Zambia, One nation’ motto.
He thanked God for the opportunity of being Zambia’s President and thanked Zambians for according him the privilege.
“Holding this high office has brought about an even stronger sense of duty and motivation to not only meet our campaign promises but exceed them,” Mr Lungu said.